Golden Trevally

Gnathonodon speciosus 

Habitat & Distribution :  Indo-Pacific Ocean 

Diet : Small fish, crustaceans, squid 

Size : Up to 1,2 m 

Lifespan : 10-20 years

Description

When young, they have a bright golden yellow color with black stripes down the center of their bodies, but as they mature, this color fades to a silvery hue.They also have an extendable mouth to catch prey hiding in coral reefs and algae. 

Behavior

Golden trevally are fish that generally move individually or in groups as adults. As juveniles, they are often seen in groups and following large marine animals such as groupers, sharks, and even divers. This is to keep them from being eaten by the animals they follow and to protect the fish they follow from larger predators. 

Reproduction

They are multiple-spawning, exhibiting seasonal reproductive behavior, primarily linked to warmer water temperatures and lunar cycles. 

Communication & Perception

They communicate and interact with their environment primarily through behavioral displays, including schooling, "piloting" behavior with larger marine animals, and color changes 

Predator(s)

Sharks, marine mammals, crocodiles